Setting up Phase Essential with Virtual DJ + most common issues

Phase Essential works with Virtual DJ in two ways: HID mode over USB, or DVS mode over RCA. Both modes require a DVS-compatible interface or mixer connected to your computer. This guide covers the setup for both, and how to fix the most common issues.

What you need

• Phase Essential up to date with Firmware 9
• Virtual DJ build 8115 or higher
• A Pro Infinity or Pro Subscription license on Virtual DJ
• A DVS-compatible interface or mixer with a Virtual DJ Pro DVS license. This is required in both HID and DVS mode.
• A USB connection to your computer for the Phase Receiver, directly or via a USB hub

How to set up Phase Essential with Virtual DJ in HID mode

Full instructions and video tutorial available here.

1. Connect your DVS interface or mixer to your computer.
2. Open Virtual DJ, then plug the Phase Receiver via USB. Phase is automatically recognized and HID mode is selected by default.
3. Place the Remotes on your turntable platters and let them calibrate.

How to set up Phase Essential with Virtual DJ in DVS mode

Full instructions and video tutorial available here.

1. Connect your DVS interface or mixer to your computer.
2. Power the Phase Receiver via USB (computer or powered hub).
3. Connect the RCA cables from the Phase Receiver to the LINE inputs of your mixer. Set the input selector to LINE (not PHONO).
4. Open Virtual DJ. In Settings > Options > Controller, set PHASE-HIDModeLeft and PHASE-HIDModeRight to DVS.
5. Place the Remotes on your turntable platters and let them calibrate.

What Virtual DJ shows when Phase is connected

• Battery level: displayed when you hover over the computer battery icon in Virtual DJ Pro
• LED color: the Remotes' LEDs match the deck color in Virtual DJ by default (A = blue, B = red). To keep Phase Manager's colors, go to Settings > Options > Controller > PHASE-LedColor and select Original.

Common Setup Issues - HID

Phase is not detected in Virtual DJ, or HID mode is not available

• Check that a DVS interface or mixer is connected and powered on (required even in HID mode)
• Check that Phase Essential is on firmware v9
• Open Virtual DJ first, then plug the Phase Receiver
• Try a different USB cable or port directly on your computer

The Remotes don't control the decks
Virtual DJ may be blocked from HID access on Mac. Go to System Settings > Privacy & Security > Microphone and enable Virtual DJ.

Calibration does not finish, or tracking feels imprecise
Keep the Remote completely still on a flat surface until the LED turns solid. For tighter accuracy, run a Manual Calibration from Phase Manager (Settings > Calibration) with the Remote spinning at 0% pitch.

Common Setup Issues - DVS

No signal, or Virtual DJ does not respond to turntable motion

• Check the mixer's input selector is set to LINE, not PHONO
• Check that PHASE-HIDModeLeft and PHASE-HIDModeRight are set to DVS in Virtual DJ settings
• Check your DVS interface is connected and recognized by Virtual DJ

Something's wrong?
The Phase team is here.